Netflix K-Drama “Hellbound” Season 2 Off To A Solid Start Amid Lead Actor Yoo Ah In Vs. Kim Sung Cheol Comparisons
The second season of Netflix‘s celebrated K-Drama series, Hellbound, was revealed on October 25, 2024, amid high interest in how the first season lead actor, Yoo Ah In, would be replaced after he was sentenced to prison.
Actor Kim Sung Cheol, best known for his roles in hit K-Dramas (but also the “Tiramisu Cake” song), took over the role of Jung Jin Soo, a cult leader who “dies” at the end of Season 1 and is resurrected in Season 2—said to serve as a reason for the obvious change in Jung Jin Soo’s appearance.
The much-anticipated release is off to a solid start, earning positive reviews from viewers and critics alike.
That said, viewers watched re-filmed versions of Yoo Ah In’s most impactful scenes from the first season. A tweet showing side-by-side comparisons of Yoo Ah In’s original and Kim Sung Cheol’s take has since gone viral, capturing the differences in the two actors’ interpretations of the character and Hellbound.
< 지옥 > 지옥 2 정진수 (김성철) ↔ 지옥 1
연기 같은 장면 비교(2) : 의자 바로 잡아 앉아서 시연 당하는 장면 pic.twitter.com/wOyGWtaFYA— ଘ☁コミニョン(💙)ଓ (@ehayo1on9) October 25, 2024
Reactions, based on comments across online communities like theqoo, showed a deep divide between viewers who preferred Yoo Ah In’s acting vs. Kim Sung Cheol’s. Some commented that Yoo Ah In’s version of Jung Jin Soo has now been deemed irreplaceable, while others commented that Kim Sung Cheol did incredible, given the situation.
- “I liked Kim Sung Cheol’s take on the character. It felt more genuine, haha.”
- “Let’s not compare. Kim Sung Cheol’s acting was fine.”
- “Wasn’t Kim Sung Cheol brought in mid-shoot after Yoo Ah In’s case went public? Given the situation, I think Kim Sung Cheol did great.”
- “Yoo Ah In is good, I can’t disagree… Why did he have to be a druggie?”
- “Kim Sung Cheol’s version feels like musical theater.”
- “Yoo Ah In’s acting is better… Too bad he was a druggie.”
A significant amount of comments were hostile, pointing out that comparing Kim Sung Cheol to “a druggie” was “unfair,” and condemning Yoo Ah In for his criminal charge—as well as those who preferred Yoo Ah In’s acting for “supporting a criminal.”
- “Given it’s the same character, I think Yoo Ah In’s take felt raw and actually crazy. Kim Sung Cheol’s take wasn’t as dramatic. It left me wanting more.”
- “Kim Sung Cheol’s acting feels very theatrical. Yoo Ah In’s feels methodical. For Hellbound, I think Yoo Ah In was better.”
- “Yoo Ah In didn’t have some irreplaceable talent in acting. It was a drug-fueled craze, LOL. Don’t credit him so much.”
- “Why are we even comparing a druggie to someone who isn’t? Yoo Ah In is a criminal and we’ll never see him again. Are we trying to see if we might want to give him a chance to return?”
- “Doping fueled Yoo Ah In’s acting, so…”
- “Kim Sung Cheol was great, but Yoo Ah In looked like he was actually crazy. He was an incredible actor, I’ll give him that.”
Regardless, Kim Sung Cheol mentioned at the press conference that he was simply “happy to portray” Jung Jin Soo in the second season, regardless of the first season’s success.
I’m also a fan of Hellbound Season 1. I enjoyed it a lot. So, I’ve always wanted to work with director Yeon Sang Ho, and I’m glad we could collaborate for Season 2. The Jung Jin Soo character was very appealing to me, and I was happy to portray him.
— Kim Sung Cheol
Will the second season of Hellbound be able to top the first? Watch the official trailer here to decide:
Share This Post
